The invention relates to compositions in which the phenolic compound thymol or carvacrol is solubilized or dispersed in water through the addition of a surfactant and a solvent. In certain embodiments is also comprised a further pesticide, a fertilizer, a defoamer, a plant growth regulator, or combinations thereof. Also taught are methods for the control of pests or for regulating the growth of plants through contacting the plants, their seeds, or soil in which they grow with said compositions.